Event type: Music

Toyah: Songs and Stories

A singer and actor, a TV host and author, a multiple BRIT Award nominee and a film star – Toyah has worn many hats during a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years. The High Priestess of Punk burst onto the scene in 1976 as she forged dual careers as a musician and actress who featured at The National Theatre and London’s Royal Court.

Her role in Quadrophenia made her a household name and soon after she gatecrased the charts with It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free, and Thunder In The Mountains, as the album, Anthem, earned a gold disc and BRIT nominations for Best Female and British Breakthrough Act. She married King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp in 1986 and she starred opposite Sir Laurence Olivier and The Who’s Roger Daltrey, among others. Acting, presenting, performing, headlining tours, and releasing 16 studio albums continued her unique story and now it’s time to reflect. With a new book in the offing, Toyah is hitting the road for an extensive UK tour in which she’ll sing favourite hits and tell stories from her remarkable career.

Rebel Dread Rockers: Don Letts and Andy Smith

Future Yard are excited to present Rebel Dread Rockers with DJ sets from Don Letts + Andy Smith (ex Portishead). Rebel Dread Rockers is a DJ project fronted by Don Letts and Andy Smith, celebrating the roots and evolution of soundsystem culture.

Don Letts is a London cultural icon, DJ and filmmaker who helped bridge punk, reggae and dub in the UK, while Andy Smith is a renowned DJ and producer, best known as a former member of Portishead and for his genre-spanning sets. Together, Rebel Dread Rockers deliver high-energy selections rooted in reggae, dub, funk, soul, punk and bass music, with a strong political and cultural edge.

Tickets on sale now.

11 Unmissable Live Music Events In Liverpool and the City Region This June

Posted on | by Tom Pratten

The Liverpool city region never fails to showcase the best and most innovative live music acts, and this June is no different! From household names and emerging talents to tribute acts of your favourite bands, there’s lots happening. If you’re looking for the best music events in Liverpool and the city region, this month’s lineup is packed with unforgettable gigs, concerts and live performances across the city region. Here is our pick of the bunch from a range of genres and venues that you do not want to miss.

1. Duke Special, Future Yard (2 June)

Future Yard welcomes folk singer, Duke Special (aka Belfast’s Peter Wilson) to the live room as part of his 2026 tour. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of debut, meteor award nominated, album: Songs from the Deep Forest. Duke Special will preform with a full band, playing the album in its entirety. It promises to be a special night, and one to add into the diary for all folk music lovers!

2. Grateful Fred’s: Over The Moon, The Atkinson (3 June)

Grateful Fred’s have become a regular fixture at The Atkinson, presenting the best Americana and Roots music acts from around the world on the first Wednesday of every month  for a wonderful night of live acoustic music. This June they welcome the return of the award winning duo ‘Over The Moon’ – Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell. The pair perform original music with beautiful harmonies and variety of live instruments. This is feel-good music at its finest.

3. Tommy Blaize: 50 Years In Music, The Atkinson (6 June)

Tommy Blaize has one of the most recognisable voices in the UK. As the lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing for 20 glorious years, he’s sung live each week to up to 12 million people. In a remarkable career spanning 50 years, he’s worked with some of the world’s most legendary artists, from Diana Ross to Queen, from The Beach Boys to Amy Winehouse, and from Stevie Wonder to Robbie Williams. Now it’s time for the man with the golden voice to step out in his first, major, solo tour. Singing songs everyone knows and loves, and telling stories about the legends he’s worked alongside, expect a Strictly incredible evening.

4.Cake & Classical Music: Harp Music for a Summer Afternoon, The Atkinson (8 June)

Cake & Classical Music takes place on the first Monday of each month, with a different ensembles, individuals and musicians performing 45 minute, lunchtime concerts. June promises an elegant  solo harp recital by the award winning Jess Hughes, featuring works by Jacques Ibert, Caroline Lizotte and Marcel Tournier. Head down to the Atkinson for an afternoon of beautiful music and of course… a slice of cake.

5. Selector, Future Yard and Tate Liverpool, (10 – 14 June)

Future Yard are proud to be working with Tate Liverpool to present Selector – a brand new collaboration that will merge the worlds of contemporary art and contemporary music. The series will launch with Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Leckey guest curating a range of events between 10th and 13th June, including an artist ‘In Conversation’ talk and three fascinating live events, under the title of Music From The Age Of Spiritual Machines. This is a unique series of events that will join the dots between music and art in an immersive three-day experience and one of the most exciting music events in Liverpool this summer.

6. The Take That Experience, Everyman & Playhouse Theatre (12 – 26 June)

As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK’s number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised Take That tribute act. This incredible show features hit after hit from Take That’s career spanning three decades – from classic 90s hits through to their most recent triumphs. This show is a must for any Take That fan as the boys don’t just give you a night you’ll Never  Forget… they give you The Take That Experience.

7. The ELO Experience – Electric Light Orchestra, Liverpool Empire Theatre (13 June)

The legacy left by Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra barely needs any introduction – suffice to say that between 1972 and 1986 they achieved more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet! In 2025 Jeff Lynne’s ELO performed the last ever live shows with the ‘Over & Out Tour’. The ELO Experience tour will include the greatest hits from an extensive and impressive back catalogue spanning over 50 years.

8. GIMMY, Future Yard (17 June)

Australian born GIMMY (pronounced “gimmie”) hits the Future Yard live room as part of her debut UK/EU tour. Renowned for her authentic spin on modern indie-rock with her effortless blend of garage rock, new wave, punk rock and folk. Eccentric and emotional, GIMMY is a singer-songwriter that wears her heart on her sleeve. She is unafraid and unapologetic in her lyrics and sound. This is a chance to see one of the indie scene’s most exciting emerging talents and another standout pick from the best music events in Liverpool this June.

9. The Illegal Eagles, The Atkinson (18 June)

Celebrating over 50 years since the formation of the legendary West Coast Country Rock band The Eagles in 1971, The Illegal Eagles make a welcome return with their new 2026 Desperado Tour, promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship.  The Illegal Eagles are now in their 24th year on the road and following a number of critically acclaimed UK & European Tours, have established themselves not only as the ultimate celebration of The Eagles, but as one of the foremost authentic and talented shows in the world.

10. Milap presents Flute J.A. Jayant with R N Prakash and Kousic Sen, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (25 June)

One of the leading Carnatic flautists of his generation, J. A. Jayant is celebrated for his rich tone, lyrical expression and imaginative improvisation. This concert offers an immersive journey through Indian classical music, where melody and rhythm unfold with elegance, intensity and spontaneity. He is joined by two outstanding percussionists: R N Prakash, a highly respected mridangam artist, and Kousic Sen, an acclaimed tabla player. Together, they create a vibrant and nuanced musical dialogue, showcasing the depth, virtuosity and expressive power of Indian classical music.

11. The Spirit & Sound of Steely Dan: Nearly Dan in Concert, The Atkinson, (27 June)

Less tribute and more of a homage, Nearly Dan is saviour to the ever growing legions of Steely Dan fans, desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagen & Walter Becker. Nearly Dan’s approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes. They bring their own unique spirit and spontaneous humour to every concert. The concert s expected to be a real treat for all music lovers and an unmissable concert for any aspiring musician young or old.

Find more concerts coming up in the Liverpool city region take a look through our What’s On listings.

Africa Oyé 2026

 

The 2026 edition of Africa Oyé is bringing together Afrobeats stars, reggae legends, Afro-futurist innovators and internationally acclaimed live acts from across Africa and the diaspora.

Returning to Sefton Park on 20–21 June 2026, the festival continues its long-standing reputation as the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture.

Leading the bill is Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, the Grammy-nominated artist known for blending Wassoulou traditions with contemporary Afro-futurist sounds. A frequent collaborator with Damon Albarn and Africa Express, Diawara has become one of the most respected global voices in modern African music and is expected to deliver one of the weekend’s standout performances.

Joining her is Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweight Patoranking, making his Liverpool debut. Known for huge crossover tracks like “My Woman, My Everything”, “Babylon” and “Abule”, Patoranking brings a mix of Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall that has helped make him one of the genre’s biggest international stars. Festival organisers have described him as a major cultural ambassador for African music.

Reggae and lovers rock fans will also be excited to see Janet Kay make her Africa Oyé debut. Often referred to as the “Queen of Lovers Rock”, Kay made history as the first Black British-born female reggae artist to top the UK charts with her classic hit “Silly Games”. Her appearance adds a strong UK reggae presence to the programme.

One of the most visually striking acts on the lineup is Fulu Miziki, the Kinshasa-based eco-punk collective who build instruments and costumes from recycled materials. Their performances combine experimental Afro-futurist music, performance art and environmental activism, creating a chaotic and highly theatrical live experience unlike anything else on the festival circuit.

The lineup also includes a range of artists showcasing traditional and contemporary sounds from across the continent and wider diaspora. Ghanaian musician King Ayisoba brings his raw, hypnotic fusion of traditional Kologo music and modern rhythms, while Senegalese artist Oumy adds a more soulful contemporary West African sound to the weekend.

Other confirmed acts include:

  • Nana Benz Du Togo — a feminist electro-soul trio blending voodoo traditions with electronic rhythms.
  • Kizaba — known for his futuristic fusion of Afrobeat, soukous and electronic music.
  • Kobo Town — bringing Caribbean calypso and roots influences.
  • Ghorwane — legendary pioneers of Mozambican marrabenta music.
  • Awale Jant Band — delivering energetic West African dance music.

The festival’s DJ programme is also returning with respected broadcasters and selectors including DJ Edu and Seani B helping soundtrack the weekend beyond the main stage performances.

Beyond the music, Africa Oyé 2026 will again feature the Oyé Village, showcasing food, crafts, workshops, family activities and community arts from across Africa and the Caribbean, maintaining the festival’s wider cultural focus as much more than simply a music event.

 

O Taste and See: the golden age of polyphony from Arcadelt to Weekes

 

A choral concert of unaccompanied Renaissance music including works by Byrd, Ceballos, Isaac, Josquin, Lassus as well as Arcadelt and Weekes, performed by Liverpool Renaissance Singers at Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady and St Nicholas at 7.30pm on Wednesday the 8th of July at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 online in advance from Ticketsource or on the door. Children under 16 are free as well as a registered disabled person with a carer. Refreshments will be available for donations at the end of the concert. The same programme will be performed at St Cuthbert’s Church Halsall near Ormskirk on Saturday 11th of July at 7.30pm when tickets will be £10 via Ticketsource in advance or on the door.

Ticketsource link:

https://www.ticketsource.com/liverpool-renaissance-singers

The Overtones: Up Close and Personal

Get closer than ever to the UK’s favourite vocal harmony group, The Overtones, as they return in 2027 with their Up Close and Personal hit tour. 

Known for their slick dance routines, pitch-perfect vocals and effortless charm, this ‘awesome foursome’ is back with a show that’s both intimate and packed with feel-good energy. 

Alongside the tight vocal arrangements and show-stopping performances, Mike, Mark, Darren and Jay will share personal stories from their journey, offering a rare glimpse behind the music.  

Expect a mix of Motown, soul, doo-wop and pop classics, alongside new material and some of their own favourites, all delivered in their signature vintage style with a modern edge. 

Combining nostalgia with contemporary showmanship, this uplifting night of music and storytelling captures the magic that has made this multi-platinum selling group a household name.  

It’s a relaxed, feel-good night of music, stories and plenty of harmonies, bringing you closer than ever to The Overtones. 

Reviews: 

“One of the UK’s most popular and prolific acts” – HELLO Magazine 

“Perfect harmonies, just fabulous” – Sky News 

“Pure Swagger” – Attitude Magazine 

Fleetwood Bac

Fleetwood Bac were the world’s first and are regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute show, raved about by Peter Green’s biographer, and were the first Fleetwood Mac tribute band to fully replicate the classic Stevie, Lindsey, Christine, John & Mick ‘Rumours’ line-up. 

 Over the many years Fleetwood Bac have been together the band has received rave reviews from ‘The Stage’ newspaper, the U.K.s leading Fleetwood Mac fansites, the official Stevie Nicks website; and from ecstatic audiences wherever the band played, wowing audiences as far afield as Dubai, St. Tropez, the Cayman Islands and Monte Carlo, and twice selling out the world-famous Minack Theatre in Cornwall.  

Fleetwood Bac has also been rated by The Times newspaper as one of the U.K.’s top 5 tributes, alongside The Bootleg Beatles, Bjorn Again and the Counterfeit Stones. Fans have included original Mac bassist and biographer Bob Brunning, who joined the band several times on stage, and Peter Green’s official biographer Martin Celmins. 

The sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with passion and energy, the band have built up an excellent reputation amongst Mac fans through numerous tours, festival appearances, corporate events and TV and radio slots all over the U.K. and Europe. 

The Fleetwood Bac show focuses on the ‘Rumours’ era of the band (still the 5th biggest-selling album of all time). It also features several songs from the Peter Green days, plus some of Stevie’s biggest solo hits, in either a theatrical 2-hour show, including costume changes and an acoustic section, or a one-hour Greatest Hits Show, specially tailored for corporate events. 

 

Dusty Echoes: Lone Frontier Album Launch

Dusty Echoes is a brand new Americana project, created by Reuben George & Rea Fortis at their home studio in Liverpool, UK. It began as the simple but abstract idea of a one-off EP in a genre they’ve never explored before, but soon blossomed into a labour of love, into which they’ve both poured all their creativity and songwriting skill for the past 2 years. The resulting 5 songs, which form their first EP “Lone Frontier”, reach across genres to include elements of country music, folk, rock, blues, soul and even hints of New Orleans jazz.

 

Unable to deny that this EP has culminated in some of their best composition, production and vocal performances, Reuben & Rea have already begun to sound out ideas for future releases with Dusty Echoes. What was once intended to be a solitary and online-only release will now be launched with a first Dusty Echoes live performance on the EP’s release day, with more live shows to follow.

 

 

Despite drawing from a wide range of artists and genres “Lone Frontier” is undeniably steeped in a Western feel, evoking songs from films, TV and games in the way each track tells a story: and paints the picture to go with it. You’ll hear elements of classic Americana; the influence of artists like Johnny Cash, Marty Robins, Paul Simon and Bobbie Gentry, but also more genre-defying songwriters like Nina Simone, Marion Black, and D’Angelo. Hints of some modern European inspirations in the songwriters’ listening rotation too, like KALEO and Ferris & Sylvester, which leave the listener with the feeling of songs which could almost have been written in any decade of the last 60 years, but were definitely produced in this one.

 

Joined by their full 5 piece band in the warm and intimate Prohibition Recording Studios, get your scarf and boots on, ready for a journey across uncharted lands. You’ll visit familiar songs while being introduced to the raw and unfiltered blend of Dusty Echoes’ signature sound. Get ready for original merch, incredible support and a chance to hear this sound for yourself.

 

Rhythms & Mixes: A Night with Simona Abdallah, DJ Hiba Salameh, and MUSYS

Join Liverpool Arab Arts Festival and Savera UK for a night of exhilarating rhythms and mixes from three powerful female musicians of Arab heritage: internationally renowned percussionist Simona Abdallah; Palestinian music producer, filmmaker and DJ, Hiba Salameh, and Jordanian sound artist, creative producer and DJ, Yasmeen Soudani (MUSYS).

Celebrating her virtuosity on the darbuka, an instrument traditionally dominated by men, Simona will bring her rhythmic energy to Rough Trade, Liverpool in a powerful solo set, before showcasing her unparalleled improvisational skills performing with DJ Hiba Salameh and MUSYS.

Named by Mixmag as ‘one of the Palestinian DJs you need to know’, DJ Hiba Salameh’s electrifying sets navigate through the wide universe of electronic music blending the huge heritage of Arabic music with its counterparts from the planet’s southern hemisphere.

MUSYS plays experimental electronica shaped by nostalgia and futurist Arab themes. She has played across the country from the Jazz Cafe to Royal Albert Hall. As a sound artist, her practice explores migration, land and collective identity, drawing on archaeology, sonic cultures and imagined futures.

This is a standing event only

14+ (Under 16s with Adult)

Chris Difford

Chris Difford co-wrote the classic Squeeze hits Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Labeled with Love, Tempted, and Black Coffee In Bed, alongside Squeeze co founder Glenn Tilbrook. He has co written with Elton John, Jools Holland and worked along side such great people as Bryan Ferry while hosting songwriting workshops for over 30 years. He’ll be touring in Spring 2027, armed with a new book, for an evening of classic hits hilarious conversation and readings from the book itself.